Isael Acevedo Obituary, Death; – A severely damaged vehicle marks the tragic outcome of a fatal accident that has left a family in mourning just one day prior to Thanksgiving.
“This is a heartbreaking situation. It represents the loss of a life and a valued member of the community. A family is grieving,” stated Mike Salas from the California Highway Patrol. According to the CHP, two young men, 18-year-olds Isael Acevedo and Jorge Medina, were traveling westbound in a Honda Accord on Vino Avenue near Jim Savage Road at approximately 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
It is suspected that they were driving at a high rate of speed when Acevedo lost control of the vehicle just north of Reedley. “The vehicle veered off the shoulder and collided with an irrigation pipe, propelling it into the field behind me. The car traveled around 200 feet, overturning several times,” Salas explained.
Officer Salas noted that neither of the young men was wearing seatbelts, resulting in their ejection from the car. Acevedo was pronounced dead at the scene, while Medina sustained only minor injuries.
Perfecto Gutierrez, one of two farm workers who witnessed the incident, recounted the moment. He mentioned that they were both in shock but rushed to the vehicle to offer assistance. “We share in the sorrow; it is a tragic loss of life,” Gutierrez remarked.
He also noted that Medina requested to use his cell phone to contact his mother, who I spoke with at the scene. She preferred not to be filmed but shared that the young men were best friends and that the accident occurred just a mile from Acevedo’s residence.
Once Medina was placed in the back of an ambulance, Salas reported that he became aggressive, necessitating intervention from officers. “In the process, both officers were bitten on the arms, and the individual was subsequently restrained,” Salas stated.
Medina was transported to the hospital and is anticipated to face charges related to the alleged assault. Investigators have also indicated that alcohol may have played a role in the incident. They are reiterating their message to the public to refrain from drinking and driving. “Do not operate a vehicle while impaired; seek alternative transportation options such as rideshare, taxis, or a friend, or remain where you are,” Salas advised.
